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14 150-008-01-IADO © 2014, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca tailgate talks – farM MacHinery safety on PUblic roads Check everything before heading out You need to perform a complete check of both the tractor and trailed equipment before heading for the road. Use safety-type hitch pins, and make sure they are securely fastened. A safety chain must extend from the tractor to the frame of the towed equipment. Check all tires (on both tractor and towed equipment) for air pressure, cuts and bumps. Always lock brake pedals together for highway travel. Sudden braking on one wheel only, at high speed, could put the tractor into a dangerous skid. Rear-view mirrors, flares, and fire extinguishers should be standard equipment for tractors that are frequently driven on public roads. Check that all lights are operating properly. Make sure that the SMV sign is clean, unfaded, and properly mounted. Check towed equipment. Any load should be balanced and properly secured. Make sure the towed load is light enough for the tractor to handle safely. Heavy wagons should be equipped with independent brakes. Safe driving tips Farm machinery operators can make road travel safer for themselves and others by taking the following precautions: Avoid busy roads whenever possible, even if travel time will be longer. Travel at a speed that will allow you to maintain full control at all times. Slow down when making turns or rounding curves. Observe road travel precautions listed in operator manuals. Some tractors free-wheel in higher gears. This can be very dangerous when coming down a hill. Use lower gear ranges when climbing or descending hills. If possible, drive on the shoulder of a paved highway. However, don't drive partly on the shoulder and partly on the paved lane. Stay alert for hazards such as soft shoulders, narrow bridges, loose gravel, bumps, potholes, and deep ruts. wsps.ca

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